Zachary Quinto, Brian Cox Board NBC's 'The Slap'

The network has tapped American Horror Story'sZacharyQuinto and Emmy winner Brian Cox (Nuremberg) to co-star in the miniseries, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Eight-episode drama The Slap centers on the fallout after a man slaps another couple’s misbehaving child at a family barbeque. This small event sparks a massive family dispute that exposes secrets, prompts a lawsuit and tears the family apart.

Quinto (Heroes, Star Trek) will play Harry, a married father of a 15-year-old son who is a mechanic/dealer specializing in expensive cars. Perennially angry but seemingly pleased with his life, Harry is a staunch believer in family and loyalty and never shies from picking a fight. However, Harry picks on the wrong guy when he slaps the horribly misbehaving child of another couple.

Cox (who earned an Emmy nomination for his guest turn on NBC's Frasier) will portray Manolis. He is the bearded patriarch of the family, a stern yet magnanimous man. Manolis is also the peacemaker in the family, quick to defray any tension. He’s a strong man with Old World values, good-hearted and clearly devoted to his family.

Based on the Australian series of the same name, Jon Robin Baitz (The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters) penned the Universal Television drama. He'll exec produce alongside WalterParkes, Laurie MacDonald, Ted Gold and Tony Ayres. A premiere date has not yet been determined.

The Slap marks Quinto's latest TV miniseries foray. He co-starred on the first two seasons of FX anthology American Horror Story. Quinto is repped by CAA, Untitled and Jackoway Tyerman. Cox, whose credits also include Troy, The Bourne Supremacy and Braveheart, is repped by Paradigm and Insight.